The Best of 2012

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Sartorially speaking, of course.

Though these next few days tend to mirror an action-packed movie (starring Liam Neeson, of course) as we embark on a rampant search for our New Year's Eve essentials (ie: party hats, streamers, alcohol, an attractive boy to kiss and loads of sequins), let's just pause for a moment and reflect on this year's fashion. Like every year, 2012 had its rockstar moments and downfalls. Shall we start this review off on a positive note? Behold, 12 of my favorite looks from 2012.

Allison Williams at the Emmy Awards (Oscar de la Renta): Shockingly, we have yet to see a lot of Williams on the red carpet; however, we love what she's wearing when she does grace our presence. And by ours, I mean the gang of photographers that attend each event. As the Girls star proves, you don't need loads of shine to wow fashion's elite. Instead, all you need is a pop of color and a phenomenal silhouette. Additionally, this gown fits the actress like a glove. Though the messy updo is far from exciting, it balances the dress' pizazz.  Thankfully, the drop earrings add some spice to the otherwise boring hair. Brava!  (Photo)

Emma Stone at SAG Awards (Alexander McQueen): Most of the time, I (not so) secretly wish I was Emma Stone. Honestly, her life is pretty awesome: she is hilarious, has an adorable British boyfriend, stars in major motion pictures and has the ability to sport a plethora of different looks. Here, it seems as if Stone stepped right off of Mad Men's set. Her vibrant hair and lipstick is perfectly contrasted by the black ensemble. The actress did not try to rocking the proverbial boat with an extremely edgy beauty trick or accessory. Instead, this outfit is extremely focused. In a world with so many options, you have to respect that.  But before I conclude, can we please stop and talk about her bag? Major! (Photo)

Zendaya at the American Music Awards (Alice + Olivia): Though this ensemble would be rather primitive on an A-Lister, I applaud this red carpet newcomer. Unfortunately, most young starlets revert to skimpy ensembles or the very overplayed bandage dress. Ladies and gent, we have an original on our hands! This outfit is event-appropriate, age-appropriate and classy. While the silhouette says, "Here's your breakfast, Don Drapper," the punchy pout and the sparkly bodice are forward-thinking and demand attention. I cannot wait to see more red carpet homeruns from her!   (Photo)

Rihanna at the Met Gala (Tom Ford): To be quite blunt, I don't like Rihanna. I don't like her on-again-off-again status with Chris Brown. I don't like her music. And, usually, I don't like her outfits. However, I must say that she nailed this look. The good-girl-gone-bad's edgy hair cut is perfect with this contemporary Tom Ford creation. It's sexy enough to be adored by the masses; however, it's fashion-forward enough to be appropriate for the Met Gala. Thank you, Rihanna and  Tom Ford. (Photo)

Gwyneth Paltrow at the Academy Awards (Tom Ford): 'Twas the cape seen around the world. And fashion junkies everywhere raised their glasses in celebration. "Huzzah!" said the fashion junkies. "Relatively editorial ensembles have made it to the Academy Awards!"  The dress' silhouette, and the outfit's lack of jewelry, reek of minimalism. But then there's the cape.  Whether you die for this ensemble or think the cape is too elitist to deal with, you know that this Tom Ford creation (for the record, 2012 was a fabulous year for Mr. Ford) will go down in history. Just like Jennifer Lopez's Versace number, but better. Much, much better.(Photo)

Michelle Williams at the Academy Awards (in Louis Vuitton): Thankfully, the nominated actress did not disappoint. Besides the fact that this dress is too cute for words, I love Williams' look because it stays true to her onscreen persona-- Marilyn Monroe. Everything (from the ruffles, to the peplum to the dainty necklace) is fun and feminine! I also love the way her vibrant coral dress looks with her porcelain skin. Pin-up,anyone?(Photo)

Ariel Winter at the Emmy Awards (Katharine Kidd): Winter has gracefully transformed from that awkward middle child on Modern Family to a red carpet darling. This year, the young starlet truly wowed style snobs.The 14-year old girl manages to choose dresses that are youthful and sophisticated. Out of many style scores, this one is my personal favorite. Though the print and overall silhouette are super funky, Winter looks undeniably classy. Keep up the good work in 2013. (Photo)

Emilia Clarke at the Emmy Awards (in Chanel): I sometimes find my self actually falling in love with fashion. I'm currently in the "everything's perfect" phase with this Chanel number. Yes, this phase has lasted months. Not only is this dress just divine, I love how the Game of Thrones star styled this look. The light shoes and slicked back hair force onlookers to devote all their attention to the wonderful craftsmanship. Not to sound drab, but I think I would like to be buried in this dress. Just give Karl a ring-- he'll know what to do. (Photo)

Adele at the Grammy Awards (in Giorgio Armani): Let it be known that Adele is perfect in every way. She has the voice of an angel, wits of a jester and style of a red carpet veteran. If you disagree with that last part of my brief love letter to the British songstress, you clearly have yet to see what she wore to this year's Grammy Awards. Notorious for her black dresses, Adele gives her uniform a stylish kick with three-quarter sleeves and a dash of sparkle. The uber glam dress is perfectly paired with retro locks and a red lip. I just adore her and everything she does. (Photo)

Candice Swanepoel at Met Gala (in Rag & Bone): It's no surprise that I'm desperately trying to become a muse for the whole Rag & Bone design team. Though Swanepoel's Met Gala status makes me extremely jealous, I must say that this ensemble is superb.  The lack of show-stopping jewels and makeup allow the focus to be on the dress' beautiful details. Let's not forget that the slicked back hair directs your attention to that contemporary halter neck. Plus, I'm obsessed with this color combination-- a blue and black dress is dramatic, but not tacky. David and Marcus, next year is my year to accompany you two to the Met Gala.(Photo)

Jennifer Lawrence at The Hunger Games premiere (in Prabal Gurung): As most people know, I'm obsessed with The Hunger Games. Imagine my pure joy when Jennifer Lawrence rolled up to The Hunger Games premiere in one of my favorite looks from Prabal Gurung's fall collection. This pure joy has not faded. I was fortunate enough to see this stunning dress in real life this past summer. This dress was so phenomenal in person, I wanted to steal it. Alas, I didn't.  (Photo)

Lena Dunham at the Met Gala (Wes Gordon): Without a doubt, Lena Dunham was 2012's "It  Girl." Though she's had a few fashion mishaps (stay tuned), I'm still obsessed with this outfit. Though Hannah (Dunham's character on Girls) cheers when she finds a pair of shoes that almost match her ensemble, these pink heels are the perfect quirky touch for an already quirky girl. Let's also take a moment to gush over that gorgeous silhouette. Okay, that's done.(Photo)



Stay tuned for the worst of 2012...

xx

Met Ball 2012

The Oscars is always a very bittersweet occasion for me. While I love the dialogue between movies and fashion, it's the end of award season. In short, it's the end of award season fashion. Thankfully, May brings us something that's a million times better than the Oscars- The Met Ball. The greatest designers, hottest celebrities, and most fantastic designs? Fash-gasm. Though I've been writing this post at a glacial pace, I'm so thrilled to share with you my best and worst dressed lists!

The Worst

Mary Kate Olsen in The Row: Even if I could tolerate the ill-fitted, uber matronly frock, the rest is absolutely horrific. First of all, the dainty bag simply does not work with the stealth frock. Juxtaposition that is neither cohesive nor conservational? No thank you. The makeup makes her look way too chiseled, which ultimately screams "bad trip to the Botox doctor." Last, but certainly not least, the hair. I'm all for quirky hair but this went past disheveled chic and straight to electrocuted freak. I love the Olsen sisters- even Elizabeth- and cherish them as style icons. Except for this occasion. Very, very wrong.  (Photo Cred)

Bruno Mars in Burberry: The suit is fine. I actually love the textured bow tie with the animalistic shoes. What I have a problem with is the hair. Big fashion faux pas. (Photo Cred)

Beyonce in Givenchy: Though this dress is very appropriate for the Met Ball, I just don't like it on Beyonce. She could've worn something more sophisticated or sexy. The purple feathers and lace gloves are a little...cheesy. Whenever I think of this Givenchy collection, I immediately go back to Zoe Saldana's purple moment
at the 2010 Academy Awards. Something is clearly wrong is Beyonce receives less attention than Zoe Saldana (that's just the way it is).(Photo Cred)

Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte: Captain America chic? I'm not feeling it. Instead of embracing her risky, ethereal fashion sense, Dunst opted for a matronly skirt suit. While this might look fabulous on Meryl (but then again, what doesn't?), it's too old for Kirsten. And too plain. I feel like she just rushed to the Met Ball from her Broadway debut. (Photo Cred)

Rachel Zoe in Rachel Zoe: Trust me, I'm not happy about this either. Though I think the fringe dress is genius, I hate the jewels with it. Not only is the statement necklace too bohemian for the Met Ball, it also looks weird with the dropped sleeve. It seems as if Rachel Zoe is too busy promoting her own line than gushing over beautiful pieces and styling stunning looks. I miss the good 'ol days. (Photo Cred)

Kristen Stewart in Balenciaga: No, absolutely not. First of all, patchwork is so 1996 it's not even funny. The placement of each color, fabric, and pattern is not flattering. Instead, Stewart looks a bit chunky. And those shoes? the opposite of chic- weird, creepy, and a mistake all around. Her hair and makeup is way too casual. This is the Met Ball, not Coachella! And no accessories? I'm traumatized. Obviously, I never expect fashion gold when Stewart walks on the red carpet, but this is a disgrace to everyone involved.(Photo Cred)

Shailene Woodley in Christopher Kane: Oh, make it stop! She used to be so chic...what happened? Not only is the print absolutely hideous, but the leather straps around the waist are unflattering. And no jewels? Seriously, what's going on here? (Photo Cred)

The Best

Rihanna in Tom Ford: How major is this ensemble? The sleek silhouette plus the croc skin equals perfection. The drop back and slit gives this fashion-forward dress a dash of sex appeal. Though I usually critique the red carpet tributes (Hunger Games reference) for not doning enough jewels, I love the lack of jewels with this dress- clean, raw, and overtly sexy. J'adore! (Photo Cred)

 Rooney Mara in Givenchy: Ladies and gent, Miss Mara is back! I'm obsessed with this ensemble. The lace skirt is super romantic while the daring asymmetry, shameless sheerness, and deep lip pushes the envelope. The slicked back hair balances off the fripperies of this ensemble. Didn't I say that she was a style icon of 2012? (Photo Cred)

Marina Rust in Vera Wang: So classic. I love the combination of the ruffles and soft gray. The soft makeup and romantic hair? Perfection. (Photo Cred)

Jessica Pare in L'Wren Scott:  Favorite golden girl! The gold metallics have this woven effect that I'm obsessed with. The statement earrings adds a glimmer of edge and sophistication. Pare subdues this uber glam look with feminine makeup. She's phenomenal!  (Photo Cred)

Camilla Belle in Ralph Lauren Collection: Can we say gothic glam? Belle looks stunning in the plunging neckline and ornate details further this gothic vibe. She's sexy, sophisticated, and youthful at the same time. Plus, that dark lip is absolutely everything. (Photo Cred)

Candice Swaepoel in Rag & Bone: I dream of being David and Marcus'  muse. Not only am I completely jealous of Candice for attending the prestigious ball with the design geniuses, her ensemble is to die for. From the lace-embellished back, to the semi-masked slits, to the flattering dual tone design, this dress is flawless. To top it off, the braided ballerina knot exudes an edgy, feminine aesthetic. (Photo Cred)

Coco Rocha in Givenchy: Only Coco Rocha can rock this poppy Elizabeth Taylor original to the Met Ball. While most red carpet staples sport the typical ball gown, I love how Rocha stepped out from the pack and did something totally unexpected and original. The jeweled, paisley embellishments spice up this look so Rocha didn't look too casual. As for beauty, that pink hair is so funky and on-trend! (Photo Cred)

Gone are the day where Emma Roberts was only famous for being Julia Robert's niece...and star of the sub-par teen show, Unfabulous: she's officially a red carpet must. I love the sharp contrast between her pale skin and this bright mustard Escada. The relevant peplum and the thin belt gives this dress a contemporary twist. But don't write this look off as tween chic just yet- the old school hair is so regal and gives this look an elegant flare. (Photo Cred)

Amy Adams in Giambattista Valli; This is such a stellar red carpet moment. From the sleek silhouette to the juxtaposing black and white, this dress works perfectly with Adam's soft, orange waves and the bright red lip. The gilded bow belts dishes out a potent dose of avant garde chic. So major.(Photo Cred)

Renee Zellweger in Emilio Pucci: The Bridget Jones' Diary star said farewell to her typical Herrera gowns and surprised spectators with this fabulous Pucci dress. In my humble opinion, this is the best that Zellweger's looked in a long time. Between the sheer sleeves, sultry cutouts, and textured train Zellweger gets the Met Ball seal of approval. Fabulous!  The messy updo gives this dress some humility; however, the fantastic earrings perfect the transition from casual hair to a standout dress. (Photo Cred)

The SJP

There has been some...lively dialogue about Sarah Jessica Parker's Valentino ensemble. Some people love it, others hate it. People have even asked my opinion about this ensemble. Though I don't think this is her best, I do believe this ensemble upholds her style aesthetic as well as the Costume Institute's dress code. You're never going to see Sarah Jessica Parker in a typical starlet gown, which is something I adore about her. She's quirky, she takes risks, and always makes a statement. How could you not love that? (Photo Cred)

xx